Kazakhstan President Tokayev’s Vision for a Brighter Future
Key Goals and Upcoming Referendum
During his annual address, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev focused on sustainable socio-economic growth and a brighter future for the nation. On September 2, he presented his state-of-the-nation address titled ‘Just Kazakhstan: Law and Order, Economic Growth, Public Optimism.’
President Tokayev outlined key goals for the nation’s development, emphasizing balanced socio-economic progress. A significant announcement was the upcoming nationwide referendum on October 6 regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant. He stated, “The upcoming referendum will be another manifestation of a broad national dialogue and a vivid example of the implementation of the concept of a ‘listening state.'”
He highlighted recent legislative accomplishments, including the passage of 102 laws addressing issues like combating human trafficking and child protection. New laws have been introduced to strengthen punishments for violence against women and children.
Focusing on new tasks, Tokayev emphasized the need to address imbalances between monetary and fiscal policies through tax reforms and enhancing the investment climate. He proposed a new law on banks to stimulate economic activity and further develop the fintech sector. He also stressed the importance of a stable, business-friendly tax policy and the transition of tax processes to an electronic format.
Tokayev called for increasing the share of medium-sized businesses in the economy from 7% to 15% by 2029. He also emphasized the development of Kazakhstan’s industrial potential, particularly in the petrochemical industry and gas supply. Infrastructure development, especially in energy and transport sectors, was identified as a key priority.
Digitalization is another central theme, with plans to integrate artificial intelligence into the e-government platform and establish a National AI Centre in Astana next year. The completion of a fibre-optic line across the Caspian Sea by 2025 was also highlighted.
President Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to law and order, aiming to make the country a comfortable and safe place to live. He noted that political reforms and comprehensive measures in human rights protection are aimed at building a just society. The transition to direct elections for local governors will be fully implemented by next year.
He also emphasized strengthening the workforce, developing a unified package of basic state healthcare services, and improving the environmental situation through a nationwide reforestation movement. In foreign policy, Tokayev stressed Kazakhstan’s commitment to a peaceful and balanced approach, in line with the UN Charter.
Concluding his address, Tokayev emphasized that genuinely improving the well-being of the people is the state’s primary task. “We have a clear vision of our state’s long-term development. To achieve our goals, we must uphold unity, mutual support, and respect,” he stated.
Doubts Revealed
Kazakhstan -: Kazakhstan is a country in Central Asia. It is the world’s largest landlocked country and the ninth largest in the world.
President Tokayev -: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is the President of Kazakhstan. He became the president in 2019.
Referendum -: A referendum is a vote in which all the people in a country or an area are asked to give their opinion about or decide an important political or social question.
Nuclear power plant -: A nuclear power plant is a facility that uses nuclear reactions to generate electricity. It is a way to produce energy without burning fossil fuels.
Legislative accomplishments -: Legislative accomplishments refer to new laws or changes to existing laws that have been successfully passed by the government.
Tax reforms -: Tax reforms are changes made to the tax system to make it fairer or more efficient. This can include changing tax rates or how taxes are collected.
Digitalization -: Digitalization is the process of using digital technologies to change how things are done, making them faster and more efficient.
Infrastructure development -: Infrastructure development means building and improving basic systems like roads, bridges, and water supply that are needed for a country to function well.
Law and order -: Law and order refer to the enforcement of laws and the maintenance of public safety and peace.
Political reforms -: Political reforms are changes made to the political system to make it more democratic or fairer.
Environmental initiatives -: Environmental initiatives are actions taken to protect the environment, like reducing pollution or conserving natural resources.
Peaceful foreign policy -: A peaceful foreign policy means a country aims to maintain friendly and non-violent relations with other countries.
Citizens’ well-being -: Citizens’ well-being refers to the overall health, happiness, and prosperity of the people living in a country.
